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Cultural Competence in Specific Patient Populations
Cultural Competence in Specific Patient Populations ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has sickle cell anemia and is experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis. The client belongs to the Jehovah's Witness faith and refuses blood transfusions. What is the best action for the nurse to take?
The nurse should respect the client's right to autonomy and self-determination, and honor their religious beliefs and preferences regarding blood transfusions. The nurse should provide supportive care, such as hydration, oxygenation, pain management, and infection prevention, to help the client cope with the vaso-occlusive crisis.
Inform the client of the risks and benefits of blood transfusions. - This option may imply that the nurse is trying to persuade or coerce the client to accept blood transfusions, which would violate the client's right to informed consent and refusal. The nurse should provide information only if the client requests it or expresses doubt about their decision.
Contact the hospital ethics committee to override the client's refusal. - This option is unethical and unnecessary, as the client has the capacity to make their own decisions and has clearly stated their refusal of blood transfusions. The hospital ethics committee should only be involved if there is a conflict or uncertainty about the client's wishes or best interests.
Ask the client to sign a consent form for blood transfusions in case of emergency. - This option is disrespectful and inappropriate, as it disregards the client's religious beliefs and values, and implies that the nurse does not trust or support the client's decision.
Rationale: The nurse should respect the client's right to autonomy and self-determination, and honor their religious beliefs and preferences regarding blood transfusions. The nurse should provide supportive care, such as hydration, oxygenation, pain management, and infection prevention, to help the client cope with the vaso-occlusive crisis.
Incorrect options:
B) Inform the client of the risks and benefits of blood transfusions. - This option may imply that the nurse is trying to persuade or coerce the client to accept blood transfusions, which would violate the client's right to informed consent and refusal. The nurse should provide information only if the client requests it or expresses doubt about their decision.
C) Contact the hospital ethics committee to override the client's refusal. - This option is unethical and unnecessary, as the client has the capacity to make their own decisions and has clearly stated their refusal of blood transfusions. The hospital ethics committee should only be involved if there is a conflict or uncertainty about the client's wishes or best interests.
D) Ask the client to sign a consent form for blood transfusions in case of emergency. - This option is disrespectful and inappropriate, as it disregards the client's religious beliefs and values, and implies that the nurse does not trust or support the client's decision.